Originally Posted by
jindabyne
The following are factual:
In 2000, BAES was offering Typhoon to DoD in the mid-2000's; at a price that was, and is now, realistic
F35 was being offered as stealthier and far more capable
F35 would be available in 2006 and if this was debatable, it would always be ahead of Typhoon, in delivery timescales
F35 would be at least 2/3 cost of Typhoon
These assertions from my friendly US counterpart in Canberra
John Howard went to the US, by himself, and was 'convinced' that F35 was the solution. All else was set aside. No more competition
I know, I was there. In the midst
Believe what you will.
I was on the project at that time and one of the attractions of Typhoon was the fitment of conformal fuel tanks to greatly enhance the range. I am sure that you will understand the threat from the north.
I believe that there was also some discussion of carrier capabilities. Huge fan of Typhoon but am disappointed it has not sold in far greater numbers but the cost has been prohibitive.